'Tinsels and Pencils': A designer Christmas at Hyatt Hotel

MANILA, Philippines - Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila continues its beautiful tradition of providing its patrons, guests and the local community a one-of-a-kind designer Christmas. 

Every year, the hotel partners with distinguished Filipino artists in creating original Christmas decorations for a cause. Celebrated local talents who have joined the hotel’s charitable initiative include Impy Pilapil, Ann Pamintuan, Tes Pasola, Renato Vidal and Michael Cacnio. This year, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila invited multi-award winning furniture designer Milo Naval to showcase his inspired monumental masterpieces entitled “Tinsels and Pencils of Christmas.”

Each unique work of art is made of the humble pencil, which resonates with both Milo’s and Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila’s strong belief in the power of education. “Tinsels and Pencils of Christmas” can be viewed exclusively throughout the hotel until Jan. 6, 2012. 

Milo Naval started out as an interior designer and worked as one for more than 15 years before he established Evolve Designs, a company engaged in designing contemporary furniture and accessories. His use of indigenous materials transformed into modern pieces has managed to create a distinct furniture style. His works have been showcased in various international shows abroad including Paris, New York and Milan.

The theme of the unique anthology revolves around pencils made into innovative furniture statement pieces. The heart of the collection is a leaf-shaped sofa made of green pencils called “Synthesis,” which adorns the main lobby of the hotel. This larger-than-life abstract representation of a Christmas tree stands four meters tall and is composed of over 10,000 pencils. The rest of the modern interpretations of the Christmas installations can be found at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants: Market Cafe, Li Li and The Fireplace, The Lounge and the Regency Club Lounge.   

 “It is not your traditional Christmas decoration. Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is known for its artistic and creative approach in providing a designer Christmas. It is any artist’s dream to work with a company that has such passion and open mindedness for the arts and its different interpretations. But what inspired me to work with them is their tradition of dedicating each show to charities both the artist and the Hotel support,” says Milo.  

“Synthesis”: The core of the collection found at the lobby of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

 “So, rather than creating artworks that will just be stored away after Christmas, I designed a collection made of pencils. Each art piece can easily be dismantled and the pencils can still be used,” adds Milo.

Milo and his wife Katherine, who come from the province of Sorsogon, continue to dedicate their hard work to support a local charity in their hometown, the Healing Servants Foundation, Inc. In celebration of the spirit of sharing and kindheartedness, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila has dedicated this year’s designer Christmas to this organization. Immediately after the festivities, pencils from the art pieces will be donated by the hotel to the students of the Divine Healer Academy, a school run by the Healing Servants Foundation, Inc.

The Healing Servants Foundation, Inc. was organised to give hope, strength and joy to children and families who suffer from poverty in the province of Sorsogon. It aims to uplift the human spirit of the underprivileged one step at a time through various programs, one of which focuses on education.

The foundation is aware that parents sacrifice and work very hard to ensure that their children get the education they deserve, which is why they founded the Divine Healer Learning Centre in 2003. In 2010, the school’s name was changed to The Divine Healer Academy and continuesto provide free schooling to children. At present, the school has eight classrooms with more than 335 students enrolled from K1 to the second year high school.

 “At Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, we celebrate the Christmas season by volunteering a part of ourselves, our time and resources not only to our patrons and guests but also to the less fortunate. We are blessed to have the support of world-renowned Filipino artists every year in hopes of making a difference to the lives of others. This year, we were inspired by Milo’s dedication to his charity which is why all pencils from the designer collection will be donated by the Hotel to the Divine Healer Academy,” explains Richard Simmons, general manager of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.

Hyatt also continues to nurture its relationship with its partner foundations, Make-A-Wish and Kythe. In hopes of providing a semblance of normal childhood, charitable donations received during the holiday season will directly benefit the children of both organizations.

Enjoy an extraordinary Christmas celebration at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila with your family and friends. For inquiries, call 245-1234. For inquiries on the hotel’s Christmas activities and New Year festivities, call the food and beverage reservations center at 247-8666, e-mail cath.mn@hyatt.com.